Denver Broncos NFL Trade Rumors: Donald Stephenson Agrees to Restructure Contract With Broncos
When the Denver Broncos signed offensive tackle Menelik Watson to a three-year deal last week, many probably thought he was being brought in as Donald Stephenson's replacement at right tackle. But it looks like Stephenson's not going anywhere. For now, anyway.
9News' Mike Klis has reported that Stephenson has agreed to restructure his contract for the upcoming season. Instead of getting a four-million-dollars injury-only guarantee on Monday, the offensive tackle will only receive two million dollars, but he can get another two million if he makes the final 53-man roster.
Well, Stephenson better work hard and make the roster if he wants to see that two million.
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The Broncos gave Stephenson a three-year, $14-million-dollar contract last year, but he failed to live up to expectations. He was terrible last season and many observers have speculated that the Broncos would have released him to avoid paying him the guaranteed money if he hadn't restructured his contract.
Now that Stephenson is staying, the Broncos now have four offensive tackles on their roster. Observers believe Watson will play right tackle for the team, so that means Stephenson, Ty Sambrailo and Michael Schofield will have to fight for minutes at left tackle.
Can Stephenson take over Russell Okung place at left tackle? A lot of people have their doubts.
"Stephenson must improve his consistency and it's unsure whether he'll be able to start at left rather than right tackle. Left requires even more foot quickness and blocking ability since it protects the quarterback's blind side," Rich Kurtzman of Broncos Wire said in his report.
"It seems likely Stephenson will compete with Sambrailo for that starting left tackle position, and Schofield may get a shot at playing there, too. If Sambrailo heals and wins the position, the Broncos could then cut Stephenson before the 53-man roster and save $2 million," he continued.
Stephenson won't solve the Broncos' offensive line problems, and the team will probably look for other options via the draft or free agency.
